Many people rely on prescription medications to treat their nerve pain. However, these options do not work for everyone. If you would rather treat your nerve pain without prescription drugs, you do have options — some of which are over-the-counter medications, and others of which are not medications at all. 

Naproxen

While there are a few over-the-counter pain relievers that may offer some relief for nerve pain, naproxen tends to be the best option. It works, at least in part, by reducing inflammation. Many cases of nerve pain are caused by inflamed tissue pressing on the nerves, and by reducing this inflammation with naproxen, you can thereby reduce the pain. Naproxen typically needs to be taken every 8–12 hours, unless your doctor specifically tells you otherwise, and it should be taken with plenty of water since it can increase your risk of dehydration.

Acupuncture

How can inserting needles into your skin reduce nerve pain? Actually, the explanation is quite simple. The metal needles change the flow of impulses through your nerves. By interfering with specific impulses, they can stop or reduce your perception of pain. 

Many people assume acupuncture is painful, but actually, you barely feel the needles going in, and most patients find the sensation relaxing. If you work with a practitioner who is familiar with treating nerve pain and you go in for regular treatments, you can enjoy some pretty profound relief.

Hypnosis

The mind and body are more connected than many people realize. As such, hypnosis can help reduce your chronic nerve pain. A hypnotherapist will use the power of suggestion to convince your mind that your pain is less severe, and as a result, you will notice the pain less. It may take a few sessions for you to see a marked result, but hypnosis is safe, relaxing, and versatile. 

Physical Therapy

Seeing a physical therapist is a good way to ease nerve pain in the long term. They can prescribe various exercises for you to perform at home in order to loosen certain muscles and take the pressure off of the affected nerves. They may also recommend some other remedies like TENS, heat therapy, or massage. 

The best thing about these remedies for nerve pain is that you can use several at once. Maybe seeing a physical therapist and a hypnotist will be the right combination of treatments for you, or perhaps you need naproxen and acupuncture. Do some experimenting, and keep your doctor in the loop, as always.

Talk to a doctor for more information about nerve pain management.